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Meteorological Support for Space Operations Review and Recommendations (1988) / Chapter Skim
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4 Analysis and Forecasting Systems
Pages 37-42

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 37...
... If data from each source were considered independently, the correct prognosis might become progressively blurred. This is especially true because of the complexity of the mesoscale weather systems that affect KSC, which may be of such small scale that individual measurement systems are only able to give a skeletal picture of the phenomenon.
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From page 38...
... Future plans call for all data sets to be available on MIDDS; these plans need to be promptly executed. All sources of satellite data, including NOAA and DMSP polar orbiting satellites, as well as all channels (e.g., visible, all infrared and near infrared, and microwave channels)
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From page 39...
... Because the types of weather events that cause disasters are rare, it would be valuable to let a computer maintain a continuous lookout for telltale signals of a potentially dangerous phenomenon. Human forecasters cannot watch the LLP display 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, yet a 5-minute delay in detecting the first lightning discharge on an otherwise quiet day could cost lives.
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From page 40...
... Although these problems need longer-term applied research with new measurement systems, some gains could be obtained through subjective and statistical studies of available data sets. The existing yes/no data from triggered lightning studies at KSC, for example, could be used together with parameters such as electric field, cloud base height, height of the freezing level, cloud top infrared temperature (or inferred height)
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From page 41...
... Mesoscale models have successfully simulated many import ant mesoscale circulations and storm systems. New nested mesoscale models are becoming available that are nonhydrostatic and contain embedded fine mesh grids that provide enhanced resolution where small-scale structures are evolving.
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From page 42...
... 42 The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and other participants m the space program should tales an active role in encouraging development of numerical models de:.llng with weather elements crucial to the space program.
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Key Terms

  • electric field
  • decision trees
  • critical weather
  • forecast models
  • mesoscale models

  • forecast accuracy
  • mesoscale weather
  • nested mesoscale
  • active role
  • optimally combine

  • data appropriate
  • field mill
  • human forecasters
  • successfully simulated
  • diverse types

  • forcing influences
  • cause disasters
  • modem offer
  • develop decision
  • import ant

  • variables discussed
  • wind shear
  • ridded fields
  • disparate data
  • skeletal picture

  • prediction models
  • forecast decisions
  • becoming available
  • systematically consider
  • fine mesh


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